Pucho scores hat trick as Tiema-Khe Kidima FC win inaugural match over Lozu FC

KOHIMA — Tiema-Khe Kidima FC, representing Kohima, secured a 4-2 victory over Lozu FC from Zunheboto in the opening match of the 7th edition of the Late Capt. N Kenguruse Mahavir Chakra Memorial Football Tournament on Wednesday evening at IG Stadium.

The game began with Chughe Chishi netting the opening goal for Lozu in the 8th minute. But their joy was short-lived as Dupisa Pucho swiftly equalised for Tiema-Khe in the following minute, leveling the score at 1-1.

In a similar fashion, despite Lozu’s determined efforts and a goal by Khuvishe Swu in the 20th minute, Pucho’s strike in the 39th minute once again leveled the scoreline at 2-2.

Just as Lozu was seeking an equaliser, Pucho completed a hat trick by scoring the third goal in the 55th minute, marking the first hat trick of the tournament, which was played under the stadium lights.

Without much delay, Vizapo Phinyo added a fourth goal in added time, sealing the victory for Tiema-Khe.

Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Nagaland Football Association, hosted the opening ceremony of the tournament, which is a part of Operation Sadbhavana by Spear Corps.

The ceremony was attended by Major General Vikas Lakhera, IG AR , as the chief guest along with Brigadier Herjinder Singh, DIG 5 Sect Assam Rifles, and Neiselie Kenguruse, parents of Captain N Kenguruse, K Neibou Sekhose, president of NFA, and Kevingutuo Sekhose, head of referees.

The primary objective of the tournament was to commemorate the fearless hero from Nagaland, who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Vijay (Kargil War) and to foster a spirit of sportsmanship among the youth of Nagaland.

A total of 16 teams from twelve districts of the state are participating in this nine-day tournament, which runs from November 1 to November 9, 2023.

During the ceremony, the winners and runners-up trophies were unveiled, along with individual prizes for the golden boot, golden gloves, best midfielder and best defender.

The winning team will receive a cash prize of INR two lakh in addition to the prestigious rolling trophy.

The chief guest acknowledged the heroic acts of Captain N Kenguruse, Mahavir Chakra, during Operation Vijay and expressed gratitude to his parents for their presence at the event. He also extended his thanks to the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) for their collaboration with Assam Rifles in organising the tournament.

He, on behalf of Lieutenant General HS Sahi, GOC, 3 Corps, conveyed his best wishes to all the participating teams.

Neiselie Kenguruse, father of Captain N. Kenguruse, also addressed the gathering and expressed his appreciation for Assam Rifles for hosting the event.

The ceremony featured musical performances by the Assam Rifles Band, Mengu Suokhire and the NOMAD band.

The entire tournament is a joint effort between Assam Rifles and the Nagaland Football Association to celebrate the sporting spirit of the Nagas, their passion for football, and to strengthen the camaraderie and connection between the Indian armed forces and the Naga population.

Thursday fixture

1st match: Liangmai FC (Peren) vs Head Hunter FC (164 INF BN TA) at 8 am

2nd match: Viswemi FC (Kohima) vs Western Sumi Sports Association (Niuland) at 1 pm

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